The best athleisure brand for men overall
It's obvious that Vuori takes its inspiration from the beach that's just a stone's throw away from its headquarters in Encinitas, California. And that means that its clothes maintain an easy, laidback California aesthetic that is effortlessly cool without looking sloppy.
My proxy product tester (otherwise known as my boyfriend) has often remarked on just how lightweight his Vuori clothes are, and while he's rarely one to even notice what he's wearing, even he is aware that Vuori levels up when it comes to staying comfortable and looking presentable.
If you're looking for a great shirt, I would recommend the Tradewind Performance shirt. The Tradewind Tee is the company's "most technical" in the lineup, featuring micro perforation for ventilation, flatlock seams, and a front chest pocket. The shirt promises to wick moisture and dry quickly, making it perfect for a run, a hot yoga session, and any errands you may need to run in between.
Delta Grade noted that the fit is "flattering" without being too "form-fitting," and calls it a "very comfortable and subtle activewear shirt that can be worn to the gym or on any casual day."
I also love the brand's perennially popular joggers, which are also available for women. They're almost absurdly comfortable, what with their soft yet lightweight construction and flattering shape. And they certainly look a whole lot better than your average pair of sweats.
If you're looking for something a tad less casual, you could also check out the Performance Pant. Heralded as Vuori's softest and lightest technical pant, this pair features front pockets, a back zip pocket, and is made with moisture-wicking material. When paired with a nice shirt, you can hardly tell that these are really just glorified sweatpants that would also work well for a winter run, a few sun salutations, or a HIIT workout.
Ultimately, it's the easy styling of Vuori that ultimately sets the brand apart. While its clothes are meant to sweat in, they're also meant to easily transition into the rest of your life as well.
As founder and former Dolce & Gabanna model Joe Kudia told Apparel News, "In coastal California, people are going to yoga in the morning, surfing in the afternoon and then meeting friends. [Vuori] is aspirational coastal California performance clothing."
Pros: Fantastic in and out of the gym, extremely comfortable, sweat-wicking material, great fit
Cons: If you're not a fan of the California vibe, Vuori may not be for you
Shop the Vuori collection hereThe best traditional athleisure brand for men
Even with the emergence of what seems like an endless supply of athleisure brands focused more on the leisure than the athlete component of their names, one company has maintained its position at the top of the mountain. And that company is Adidas. Whether you’re looking for great athletic wear or just great clothes to wear, Adidas has you covered.
Adidas remains one of the most sought-after brands around the world. That’s likely thanks to its expert combinations of quality and style that are often on the cutting edge of both fashion and performance — plus, its pieces easily transition across a variety of environments with just a few small adjustments.
Thanks to a wide range of activations with style icons, Adidas can match just about any aesthetic. While many of its best sellers are the brand's trademark sneakers, you can also find a great selection of performance tops and bottoms that work well at the gym and at post-gym drinks.
I love the Tiro 19 Training Pants — meant for the soccer field, they can do much more than help you win a match. Thanks to quick-drying, breathable fabric, they’re comfortable all day whether you’re working out or jetting around. Plus, small details like ankle zips allow you to stand out from the millions of other dudes wearing sweatpants around.
I’m also a big fan of the brand’s graphic tees. While you may not want to sport large logos on every piece of clothing you wear, the company’s familiar, sleek design makes each shirt look more like a statement than a shrug. Plus, they’re super comfortable and extremely affordable to boot.
Pros: Classic, familiar name; great selection, transitions to and from the gym, easy to care for
Cons: May be a bit too casual for some
Shop the Adidas men's collection hereThe best athleisure brand for long days
Back in 2016, Rhone managed to raise nearly $113,000 to bring its GoldFusion technology to its line of activewear. And now, that proprietary formula can be found in a wide range of activewear and athleisure clothing.
While that technology makes it particularly useful for long and sweaty workouts, I've found that it's also great for my boyfriend when we've been on a plane for hours on end. In fact, during our long travel days in the summer in a car sans AC (otherwise known as the seventh circle of hell), it was his Rhone apparel that kept him smelling (if not feeling) fresh all day.
GoldFusion technology is Rhone's proprietary, eco-friendly fabric treatment that leverages real gold particles to help fabrics dry up to three times faster. In addition, it's UV protective, and looks great, too.
Forbes previously lauded Rhone workout gear for combining "classic cuts and designs with elevated technology," while happy customers note that they wear Rhone gear "more than any...I have."
I absolutely love Rhone's Commuter Pant, a great pair of trousers that you would actually feel comfortable wearing to an office. Well-tailored and sharply cut, these pants prove that looking good and feeling good can be two sides of the same coin. Similarly, I love the Reign Long Sleeve Shirt. When paired with a pair of shorts, you'll be ready for a workout, but if paired with a nice pair of slacks, you could be ready to go on a date.
If you're more interested in Rhone's athletic gear, you might check out the 7-inch Swift Lined short. Perfect for running, these shorts feature a perforated venting system for cooling, as well as two side zipper pockets to hold essentials during a jog. Plus, a soft performance liner promises exceptional fit.
Pros: Stink-free technology, comfortable fabric, and great fit
Cons: Some reviewers note that the shirts can be a bit longer than anticipated
Shop Rhone's collection hereThe best cold weather athleisure brand for men
Merino wool is unlikely to be the first material that comes to mind when you think of athleisure gear that can actually withstand a workout, but that's just the sort of innovative thinking that makes Olivers' clothes so comfortable.
While Olivers' first well-known article of clothing was the All Over Short, the brand has proven that it's capable of creating a wide range of comfortable, functional gear. The Terminal Tech Tee is a favorite of mine and the Business Insider Picks team. The merino tech mesh tee not only keeps you cool and dry, but also fits well.
As Insider Picks' Amir Ismael noted, "the Terminal Tech Tee ... fits exactly as a T-shirt should." While you can certainly work out in the naturally odor resistant shirt, it's also just as appropriate for a day full of errands or a casual date night.
I’m also a huge fan of the Terminal Tech Long Sleeve Tee, which is particularly appropriate for the colder months. Its moisture-wicking properties make it easy to wear, and its great fit certainly makes it easy on the eyes. In fact, this may just be the single most complimented piece of clothing that my boyfriend owns.
Oh, and by the way, Olivers promises that your clothes will last for at least a year with its Olivers guarantee. The company will replace or repair any product "with a fault outside of normal wear and tear for up to 12 months" after your initial purchase.
Pros: Superior comfort, great fit, great style without being ostentatious
Cons: Some reviewers noted that the sizing could be a bit different from the website's suggestions
Shop Olivers workout clothes
